Welcome to our podcast on the latest news and developments from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This week, we're starting with a significant headline that's making waves across the agency: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's message to agency staff, urging them to return to full-time work in the office by February 24, 2025[5].
Administrator Zeldin emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration and partnership to deliver on the agency's mission of protecting human health and the environment. This move aligns with President Trump's executive orders, including the "Return to In-Person Work" directive. The agency has seen low attendance rates, with the highest single-day attendance rate being only 37% since January 2024, and averaging 8.9% on Mondays and Fridays.
Moving on to policy changes and implementation updates, the EPA has finalized a rule requiring manufacturers, including importers, of 16 chemical substances to submit copies and lists of certain unpublished health and safety studies to the agency[3]. This rule, effective January 13, 2025, aims to help the EPA determine its responsibilities under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), including prioritization, risk evaluation, and risk management for those chemicals.
In terms of new initiatives and program launches, the EPA is set to implement new source performance standards and emission guidelines applicable to power plants and to new and existing facilities in the oil and gas sector in FY 2025[2]. These efforts are part of the agency's broader strategy to drive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.
On the leadership front, the EPA has announced the appointment of Mike Martucci as the Region 2 Administrator and Jim Macy as the Region 7 Administrator, indicating organizational changes aimed at strengthening regional leadership.
Budget allocations and spending priorities for FY 2025 include significant investments in climate change mitigation efforts, such as regulations on greenhouse gases, climate partnership programs, and support to tribal, state, and local governments. The EPA will also focus on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to advance environmental programs.
In terms of regulatory actions and enforcement activities, the EPA is working to implement new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning with Model Year 2027 and extending through at least Model Year 2030. Additionally, the agency will establish new greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty engines and vehicles starting with Model Year 2027.
These developments have significant impacts on American citizens, businesses, and state and local governments. For instance, the new emissions standards will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, contributing to cleaner air and healthier environments for communities across the country.
As Administrator Zeldin noted, "The American people rely on every single one of us to protect their access to clean air, land, and water. Our mission of protecting human health and the environment is far too important for any of us to ever come up short."
Looking ahead, citizens can engage with the EPA by signing up to receive news releases and other information from the agency. The EPA's press office is available to provide updates and insights on environmental topics and initiatives.
For more information, visit the EPA's newsroom at epa.gov/newsroom. Stay tuned for upcoming changes and deadlines, and remember to stay informed and engaged on environmental issues that affect us all. Thank you for listening.
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4 min